Getting Started with Technology - New Students

Welcome to Pacific Lutheran University! Information & Technology Services (I&TS) is here to help you gain the skills and knowledge you can build on for the rest of your life. And we’re committed to providing you with the help you need for using technology at PLU. Below are some first steps for getting started, followed by contact information for getting help.

Activate Your ePass

What’s an ePass?Your PLU ePass includes a PLU username and a password. Your ePass enables you to access online services available only to the PLU community, such as e-mail, campus network registration, and the Sakai learning management system for your classes. And you may need your ePass to access online forms such as meal plan forms, vehicle registration, etc.

Account Activation
You should have already received information about how to activate your ePass. If you haven’t already done so, please activate your ePass.

Network RegistrationYou should be able to register wirelessly from most campus buildings. Type “gatekeeper.plu.edu” into the address bar of your browser. Next, you must agree to the university network policy and register your computer by typing in your PLU ePass username and password. If successful, the computer will notify you that your computer has been registered and ask you to reboot your computer. More details can be found at

Computers, Labs, and Printing

Computer Purchase Recommendations
PLU does not require students to have computers; however, it is highly recommended that you have your own computer to work on coursework outside of class. See details at

Computer Labs
I&TS supports two general computer labs for your computing needs: the Haley Information Center on the first floor of the Library and the Open Lab in Morken 114. For a listing of hardware and software on computers, see

Nickname or Alias
Don’t like the looks of your ePass username@plu.edu as an email address you distribute to friends and colleagues? You can set or remove a nickname such as firstname.lastname@plu.edu at

Review Computer and Network Use Policies

Install Anti-Virus Software and Review Cyber-Safety Tips

Anyone who uses a computer on the PLU campus network shares responsibility for protecting network services for others. PLU requires that a reliable anti-virus program be installed on any computer connected to the PLU network. For personal computers, you can use paid or free anti-virus software. If you’re not sure where to start, I&TS staff provide a list of recommended free anti-virus software. Once the anti-virus software is installed, it is critical that you perform regular updates. More information on anti-virus programs is available at

Sakai
Sakai is PLU’s learning management system and offers a wide array of web-based teaching and collaboration tools for classes. Professors may use Sakai to distribute class materials, assignments, and online tests. Your classes that use Sakai will be listed as tabs after you login.

PLU Search and Directory
Need to find a person, phone number, info about an office, or search the PLU web? Use the search box in the upper right corner of the PLU home page and type in as much as you know. Or go to

Use Classroom Technology

Need help with classroom equipment or patching your laptop into a classroom computer projector? Multimedia Services provides support for the the use of classroom technologies and checks out multimedia equipment such camcorders and audio recorders for your class projects.

I&TS Technology Workshops
Want to learn more about PLU technologies? Information and Technology Services offers workshops on a wide variety of topics. For more information and a calendar of workshops, visit